Chiefs drop game to Post Falls

Courtney Kunjara, of Moses Lake, takes the basketball down-court against Post Falls Tuesday.

Madi Wilks, of Moses Lake, tries to defend against a layup by Post Falls Tuesday night.

by Herald Sport Editor & Bob Kirkpatrick
| December 15, 2011 5:05 AM

Madi Wilks, of Moses Lake, tries to defend against a layup by Post Falls Tuesday night.

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Girls basketball team ran into a buzz saw in the likes of Post Falls as the team lost the lopsided contest 64-26 last night.

The visiting Trojans full-court pressure held the Chiefs offense in check throughout the first half of play, causing Moses Lake to commit too many mistakes, which translated into missed scoring opportunities.

Post falls jumped out front 4-0 to start the contest. The Chiefs Emily Olson got Moses Lake on the board, but a 3-point shot by Post Falls Whitney Gonzalez ignited a 16-5 run to go up 20-7 at the end of the first eight minutes of play.

Things didn't get any better for the Chiefs in the second quarter as the Trojans held Moses Lake to three points, while knocking down four buckets from beyond the arc to put 26 points on the board and take a 46-10 lead at the half.

"Unfortunately we had 16 turnovers in the first half as we didn't handle the press very well," coach Matt Strophy said. "And because of that, we were unable to execute our offense and get into any kind of rhythm as we were afraid to turn the ball over."

Down by 36 at the break, it was gut check time for the Chiefs.

"I told the girls at the half we needed to play with more passion and unity," Strophy said. "We talked about communicating better and controlling our work ethic. And that about the only thing you can do against a more talented team ... just do a better job of controlling our work ethic."

The team must have taken Strophy's words to heart as Moses Lake edged the Trojans in the third quarter 11-9 and played even in the fourth, scoring seven points each. But, it was too little too late as the Chiefs dropped the non-league game, 64-26.

Moses Lake has a chance to right the ship this weekend when the Chiefs open league play at Chiawana Friday, then host Walla Walla Saturday, at 7:30 p.m.

"Our focus for this week is short term memory ... forget the outcome of our six non-league games because they really don't mean that much." Strophy said. "The only games that matter to us are league games, so hopefully we'll be ready to go this weekend."